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The Mainstreaming of Rural Development Innovation (MORDI) program was launched in late 2004 with support from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and managed by the Foundation of the Peoples of the South Pacific International (FSPI).
The regional program was implemented in 2007 across Fiji, Tonga, and Kiribati to empower rural communities and focus on poverty alleviation and sustainable livelihoods. MORDI worked with FSPI’s network partners and other NGOs and Civil Society Organizations.
In Tonga, the program was initially led by the Catholic Women’s League, Tonga National Youth Congress, and the Civil Society Forum of Tonga, and the project under CWL moved to register it as a local NGO MORDI Tonga Trust in 2009
The organization operates across Tonga’s main and outer islands, including Tongatapu, ‘Eua, Ha’apai, Vava’u, Niuafo’ou, and Niuatoputapu, focusing on sustainable development, governance, rural development, humanitarian aid, and social enterprise..
2007: Initial funding from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
2010: Additional support from the New Zealand Aid Programme (NZAP).
2012: Tonga Rural Innovation Project Phase 1 implemented IFAD funded TOP$10.2 million
2018: Post-Tropical Cyclone Gita, MORDI collaborated with CARE Australia and Live & Learn Environmental Education, receiving funds from the Australian Government through the Australian Humanitarian Partnership to support vulnerable populations.
2019: TRIP Phase II implemented Government of Tonga and IFAD funded project TOP$24 million
2024: Launched the Tonga Australia Resilient Partnership with a commitment of Tongan Paʻanga 15 million (approximately AUD 9.5 million) from the Australian Government to enhance climate resilience and sustainable development.
MORDI Tonga Trust has implemented two major phases of the Tonga Rural Innovation Project (TRIP):
TRIP I: Supported 60 communities, reaching 2,800 households and benefiting 16,901 individuals.
TRIP II (2018 onwards): Expanded to 122 communities, reaching 7,300 households and impacting 39,300 individuals.
MORDI Tonga aims to be the central hub for rural development programmes that strengthen community livelihoods. We are committed to expanding initiatives with clear value-chain linkages to boost productivity and income. Through rigorous research and innovation, we aim to enhance community resilience and promote sustainable, inclusive rural growth.
MORDI Tonga drives research that strengthens rural development through innovative, evidence-based solutions. Our work focuses on improving livelihoods, boosting community resilience, and addressing key challenges such as food security and climate adaptation.
MORDI Tonga ensures fast and effective responses to meet the immediate shelter, WASH, food security, and livelihood needs of disaster-affected communities. We invest in research and development to strengthen preparedness, response, and recovery efforts, building community resilience to future shocks.
MORDI Tonga is building a stronger, more financially self-sufficient organization. By expanding social enterprise initiatives, we aim to increase independence, flexibility, and long-term sustainability in delivering development outcomes for Tonga’s rural communities.
A respected education and leadership expert with over 20 years of experience in research and community development. As Director of the Institute of Education at USP and Chair of MORDI Tonga Trust, she champions inclusive leadership and empowerment across the Pacific.
A rural development economist with over 35 years of experience across Asia and the Pacific. A founding trustee of MORDI Tonga Trust, he brings extensive expertise in agriculture, economics, and community development.
A finance and investment leader with experience in banking, policy, and governance. Now CEO of the Tonga Development Bank, he brings strong financial and strategic expertise to the MORDI Tonga Trust Board.
A finance and audit professional with senior experience at Auckland District Health Board, Audit New Zealand, and Tonga Power Limited, bringing strong financial oversight and governance expertise to the MORDI Tonga Trust Board.
A veteran agriculture and rural development leader with over 30 years of international experience, including service as FAO Deputy Regional Representative for Asia and the Pacific. He brings deep expertise in policy, governance, and sustainable development to the MORDI Tonga Trust Board.
A renowned horticultural scientist and Pacific development expert with over 20 years of experience. Appointed to the MORDI Tonga Trust Board in 2024, he champions sustainable agriculture and food security across the Pacific.
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